Wireless communication device with multiple external communication links

ABSTRACT

A decentralized asynchronous wireless communication system is disclosed for providing voice and data communication that allows flexibility of communication paths for local communication or for communication to external networks. The system makes use of communication docking bays that may communicate in a local mode with other communication docking bays or handsets within a same microcell via signal extenders. In an extended mode, a communication docking bay located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second communication docking bay or handset in a second microcell of the first macrocell via signal extenders and a network extender. In a remote mode, a communication docking bay located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second communication docking bay or handset in a second microcell of a second macrocell via signal extenders and network extenders. The communication docking bays also provide a communication path to a Public Switch Telephone Network and other communication medium. This feature provides an alternate means of connecting a mobile handset to a Public Switch Telephone Network without communicating through a network extender. The system is particularly suitable for operation in rural areas having a low population density.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/583,839 filed on May 31, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,078.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to wireless communication systems and,more particularly, to wireless communication system devices that useradio frequencies for transmitting and receiving voice and data signalswithin an internal communications network and to an externalcommunication networks.

Wireless communication systems continue to grow, particularly in theareas of cellular and digital telephony and in paging systems. Wirelesssystems are especially popular in remote areas of the world that havelimited wired service because of the cost and difficulty of building awired infrastructure.

Traditional wireless communication systems such as cellular telephonesuse radio communication between a plurality of subscriber units withinthe synchronous wireless system and between subscriber units and thePublic Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) for calls that are outside ofthe wireless system. Most of these systems are characterized by wirelessmobile telephone units communicating synchronously with base stationsthat are connected to centralized mobile switching centers (MSC), whichare in turn connected to the PSTN. The centralized MSC performs a numberof functions, including routing wireless mobile units calls to othermobile units and wired (land-line) users and routing land-line calls tomobile units. At no time do these traditional wireless communicationssystems allow the handset to interface with the PSTN directly. The verycore of the centralized wireless communications theory requires everyPSTN interface to be made through an MSC. This is the only interfaceallowed.

Others' systems use point-to-point radio communication where mobileunits may communicate with other mobile units in the local area. Theysend origin and destination address information and make use ofsquelching circuits to direct the wireless transmission to the correctdestination address. Most of these systems do not appear to provide aconnection to a PSTN to send and receive calls outside the wirelessnetwork. This type of system is decentralized, but because of thedecentralization, collecting accurate billing information may be aproblem.

Another form of wireless system is called a local multipointdistribution service (LDMS). In an LMDS system, a local area or cellthat is approximately 4 km in diameter contains fixed base stations,geographically distributed throughout the local area. One or moreantennas within the local area receive calls from the fixed basestations and relay the calls to other fixed base stations. In order forthe system to work, the fixed base stations must be within theline-of-sight path of at least one of the antenna units. The LDMS doesnot provide for mobile stations. Calls can only be routed within thelocal area and not to an external network. The system is essentially acentralized system within a local area. If one station is not within theline of sight of the antenna, it is effectively cut off fromcommunication.

There is a need for decentralized wireless communication system that iscapable of handling voice and data communication that allows for amultiplicity of communication paths. It is desirable to have an abilityto call on bandwidths as needed, to provide local communication links,and to access links to external networks. Such networks may includepublic switch telephone networks, high speed-broadband cable, Internet,satellites and radio emergency networks. It is desirable to have asystem that does not require a centralized switching center, providesfor secure operation, allows for control of the operational state of theinternal network, provides for emergency notification and provides a wayto collect revenue from the system. It is also desirable to providealternate direct-path communication between wireless handsets and thePSTN, without centralized switching. Such an interface augments theconventional path routing and reduces call loads on any centralcommunications interface.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device and method that satisfiesthese needs. It provides a user of a decentralized asynchronous wirelesscommunication system for voice and data communication with the abilityto select various communication paths and calling bandwidths as needed.It provides local communication as well as optional links to externalnetworks, and does not require a synchronous centralized switchingcenter. It further provides secure operation, emergency notification anda way to collect revenue from the system, and allows for control of theoperational state of the internal network.

The present invention provides a wireless communication systemCommunication Docking Bay device that uses radio frequencies forasynchronously transmitting and receiving voice and data signals withinan internal network with multiple internal communication paths. It alsoprovides for external communication paths for linking the internalnetwork to external communication networks, including a directconnection to a PSTN for wireless handsets and is capable of operatingin isolated remote locations. Additional communications paths defined asultra short range are also encompassed in the scope of the device tofacilitate a communication between the device and other external networkdevices equipped for ultra short range communication. These includeultra-wide-band, Bluetooth, or infrared spectrum protocols.

The present communication system consists of four primary elements:handsets carried by mobile users, communications docking bays (ComDocs)for providing alternative connections, signal extenders for relayinghandset and ComDoc signals, and network extenders for interconnectingsignals from signal extenders. The signal extenders and networkextenders comprise the infrastructure equipment that is located atantenna tower sites while the ComDoc sets are located in a customer'shome or business. Handsets are assigned standard telephone numbers andare capable of placing and accepting calls with telephones in thepublic-switched system (PSTN) through the network extenders. Calls thatare placed between handsets contained within the asynchronous internalnetwork do not require routing through a PSTN. The ComDoc interfacedevice is designed to allow restricted and private access to a wirelesshandset owner's home or office telephone landline, thus creating aprivate link to the PSTN without necessity of routing the wireless callthrough the network extender for an interface to the PSTN. Besideshandling regular voice and data, the overall system also supports a widevariety of telephone features such as Internet access, cable modemaccess, data transfer, variable bandwidth wireless calling channels,caller ID, call waiting, and text messaging.

The Communications Docking bay (ComDoc) provides additional andalternative connectivity to the PSTN, if required. The ComDoc is afixed-base wireless set capable of asynchronously sending and receivingsystem calls and/or providing connection with a PSTN or other suchexternal networks as selected by the user. This device reduces the loadon the network extender PSTN interface and provides a redundant path toa PSTN. The device is capable of serving as a wireless data interfacefor home based personal computers with data rates either flexible orfixed through the use of DWC Contiguous Channel Acquisition Protocols(CCAP)/(CCAP+) or preset wireless channel allocations.

The system is particularly suitable for operation in rural areas wherepopulation density is low and wireless coverage is either not currentlyavailable or not adequately serviced. The system is suitable foroperation in the United States using the PCS spectrum (1850or theWireless Communications Service (WCS) spectrum at 2320 2360 MHz that arelicensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or any othersuch frequency as may be determined suitable above 50 megahertz and lessthan 5 gigaHertz. The handset and the ComDoc incorporate a modularmulti-mode capability to extend the wireless service area with apotential variety of standard wireless formats and bands, such as AMPS,D-AMPS, IS-95, IS-136, and GSM1900. This is an important feature becausewidespread deployment of a new wireless service takes appreciable time,and there are many other wireless standards from which to choose sincethese new customers may also venture into standard PCS or cellularmarkets. Besides the US rural market, other applications for presentinvention include emerging nations, especially those that presently havelimited or no telephone service, and those communities or groups thatrequire a stand alone wireless communication network that can be quicklyand cost-effectively deployed.

An embodiment of the present invention is a method of operating awireless communication system for voice and data signals that comprisesestablishing a local communication path for transmitting and receivingsignals between a local handset and a communication docking bay within asame microcell via a signal extender, establishing an extendedcommunication path for transmitting and receiving signals between anextended handset and an extended communication docking bay locatedwithin different microcells positioned within a same macrocell viasignal extenders and a network extender, establishing a distantcommunication path for transmitting and receiving signals between adistant handset and a distant communication docking bay located withindifferent microcells positioned within different macrocells via signalextenders and network extenders, and asynchronously transmitting andreceiving half-duplex signals over the communication paths using pairsof assigned communication path frequencies stabilized by a GPS-basedfrequency reference source. The step of establishing a localcommunication path may comprise transmitting signals from the localhandset and the communication docking bay to the signal extender,receiving and re-transmitting signals by the signal extender to thelocal handset and the communication docking bay, and receiving signalsfrom the signal extender by the local handset and the communicationdocking bay. The step of establishing an extended communication path maycomprise transmitting signals from the extended handset and the extendedcommunication docking bay to the signal extenders, receiving andre-transmitting signals from the extended handset and the extendedcommunication docking bay by the signal extenders to the networkextender, receiving and re-transmitting signals from the signalextenders by the network extender to the signal extenders, receiving andretransmitting signals from the network extender by the signal extenderto the extended handset and extended communication docking bay, andreceiving signals from the signal extenders by the extended handset andthe communication docking bay. The step of establishing a distantcommunication path may comprise transmitting signals from the distanthandset and the distant communication docking bay to the signalextenders, receiving and re-transmitting signals from the distanthandset and the distant communication docking bay by the signalextenders to the network extenders, receiving and re-transmittingsignals from the signal extenders by a network extender to anothernetwork extender, receiving and re-transmitting signals from a networkextender by another network extender to signal extenders, receiving andre-transmitting signals from network extenders by signal extenders tothe distant handset and the distant communication docking bay, andreceiving signals from signal extenders by the distant handset and thedistant communication docking bay. The step of receiving andre-transmitting signals by a network extender to another networkextender may be selected from the group consisting of transmittingsignals over a Public Switch Telephone Network, transmitting signalsover a fiber optic communication link, transmitting signals over acoaxial cable, transmitting signals over a public TCP/IP network, andtransmitting signals over a satellite communication link. Half of thesignals received by a signal extender in a microcell may be transmittedby handsets and communication docking bays in the microcell in a lowradio frequency band and half of the signals received by the signalextender in a macrocell may be transmitted by a network extender in themacrocell in a low radio frequency band. Half of the signals transmittedby a signal extender in a microcell may be received by the handsets anddocking bays in the microcell in a high radio frequency band and half ofthe signals transmitted by the signal extender in a macrocell may bereceived a network extender in the macrocell in a high radio frequencyband. The transmitting and receiving signals between a handset and acommunication docking bay may be conducted asynchronously withtransmitting signals between other handsets and docking bays. The stepof establishing a local voice communication path between a handset and acommunication docking bay may comprise using two fixed frequencies in asub-band spectrum for establishing a local voice channel. The step ofestablishing a local data communication path under a four channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol between a handset and acommunication docking bay may comprise using two fixed frequencieshaving a bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of a local voice channel bycombining four contiguous voice channels. The step of establishing alocal data communication path under a twelve channel Contiguous ChannelAcquisition Protocol Plus between a handset and a communication dockingbay may comprise using two fixed frequencies having a bandwidth oftwelve times a bandwidth of a local voice channel by combining twelvecontiguous voice channels. The step of establishing an extended voicecommunication path may comprise using four fixed frequencies in asub-band spectrum for establishing an extended voice channel. The stepof establishing an extended data communication path under a four channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol between a handset and acommunication docking bay may comprise using four fixed frequencieshaving a bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of an extended voicechannel by combining four contiguous voice channels. The step ofestablishing an extended data communication path under a twelve channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol Plus between a handset and acommunication docking bay may comprise using four fixed frequencieshaving a bandwidth of twelve times a bandwidth of an extended voicechannel by combining twelve contiguous voice channels. The method mayfurther comprise establishing a communication path for transmitting andreceiving signals between a handset and an external network via a signalextender and a network extender connected to the external network. Theexternal network may be selected from the group consisting of a PublicSwitch Telephone Network, a fiber optic communication link, a coaxialcable, a public TCP/IP network, and a satellite communication link. Themethod may further comprise establishing a communication path fortransmitting and receiving signals between a handset and an externalnetwork via communication docking bay connected to the external network.The external network may be selected from the group consisting of aPublic Switch Telephone Network, a fiber optic communication link, acoaxial cable, a public TCP/IP network, and a satellite communicationlink. The method may further comprise establishing a communication pathfor transmitting and receiving signals between a communication dockingbay and a local communication network. The local communication networkmay be selected from the group consisting of wireless handsetsassociated with the communication docking bay, local extensiontelephones connected to a Public Switch Telephone Network via thecommunication docking bay, an infrared link, a Bluetooth link, a wiredcomputer local area network, a wireless local area computer network, asecurity system and another communication docking bay link. The handsetsmay be communication docking bays.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of operating awireless communication system for voice and data signals that comprises:establishing a local communication path for transmitting and receivingsignals between a local handset and a local communication docking baywithin a same microcell comprising receiving and transmitting signalsbetween the local handset and a signal extender, receiving andtransmitting signals between the signal extender, the local handsets andthe local communication docking bay, and receiving and transmittingsignals between the local communication docking bay and the signalextender; establishing an extended communication path for transmittingand receiving signals between an extended handset and an extendedcommunication docking bay within different microcells positioned withina same macrocell comprising transmitting and receiving signals betweenthe extended handset and a first signal extender, transmitting andreceiving signals between the first signal extender and a networkextender, transmitting and receiving signals between the networkextender and a second signal extender, transmitting and receivingsignals between the second signal extender and the extendedcommunication docking bay, and transmitting and receiving signalsbetween the extended communication docking bay and the second signalextender; establishing a distant communication path for transmitting andreceiving signals between distant a handset and a distant communicationdocking bay within different microcells positioned within differentmacrocells comprising transmitting and receiving signals between thedistant handset and a first signal extender, transmitting and receivingsignals between the first signal extender and a first network extender,transmitting and receiving signals between the first network extenderand a second network extender, transmitting and receiving signalsbetween the second network extender and a second signal extenders,transmitting and receiving signals between the second signal extenderand the distant communication docking bay, transmitting and receivingsignals between the distant communication docking bay and the secondsignal extender, and asynchronously transmitting and receivinghalf-duplex signals over the communication paths using pairs of assignedcommunication path frequencies stabilized by a GPS-based frequencyreference source. The step of transmitting signals between the firstnetwork extender and the second network extender may be selected fromthe group consisting of transmitting signals over a Public SwitchTelephone Network, transmitting signals over a fiber optic communicationlink, transmitting signals over a coaxial cable, transmitting signalsover a public TCP/IP network, and transmitting signals over a satellitecommunication link. The steps of transmitting signals from the handsetand communication docking bay to the signal extenders may be in a lowradio frequency band and transmitting signals from the signal extendersto the handset and communication docking bay may be in a high radiofrequency band, transmitting signals from the signal extenders to thenetwork extenders may be in a high radio frequency band and transmittingsignals from the network extenders to the signal extenders may be in thelow radio frequency band, and transmitting signals between the networkextenders may be on a high data rate system backbone. Half of thesignals received by a signal extender in a microcell may be transmittedby handsets and communication docking bays in the microcell in a lowradio frequency band and half of the signals received by the signalextender in a microcell may be transmitted by a network extender in themacrocell in a low radio frequency band. Half of the signals transmittedby a signal extender in a microcell may be received by the handsets andcommunication docking bays in the microcell in a high radio frequencyband and half of the signals transmitted by the signal extender in amicrocell may be received by a network extender in the macrocell in ahigh radio frequency band. The transmitting and receiving signalsbetween a handset and a communication docking bay may be conductedasynchronously with transmitting signals between other handsets andcommunication docking bays. The steps of transmitting and receivingsignals may comprise using Frequency Division Multiple Access techniquesfor determining sub-bands in the high and low radio frequency bands. Thesteps of transmitting and receiving signals may comprise using GaussianMinimum Shift Keying modulation for producing a radio frequencywaveform. The transmitting and receiving signals from handsets andcommunication docking bays may comprise a primary mode and a secondarymode of operation. The primary mode of operation may comprise a DWwireless frequency protocol. The secondary mode of operation may beselected from the group of wireless protocols consisting of AMPS,D-AMPS, IS-95, IS-136, and GSM1900. The method may further comprisecontrolling an operational state of the wireless communication system bytransmitting an operational state command to a network extender. Thestep of establishing a local voice communication path between a handsetand a communication docking bay may comprise using two fixed frequenciesin a sub-band spectrum for establishing a local voice channel. The stepof establishing a local data communication path under a four channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol between a handset and acommunication docking bay may comprise using two fixed frequencieshaving a bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of a local voice channel bycombining four contiguous voice channels. The step of establishing alocal data communication path under a twelve channel Contiguous ChannelAcquisition Protocol Plus between a handset and a communication dockingbay may comprise using two fixed frequencies having a bandwidth oftwelve times a bandwidth of a local voice channel by combining twelvecontiguous voice channels. The step of establishing an extended voicecommunication path may comprise using four fixed frequencies in asub-band spectrum for establishing an extended voice channel. The stepof establishing an extended data communication path under a four channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol between a handset and acommunication docking bay may comprise using four fixed frequencieshaving a bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of an extended voicechannel by combining four contiguous voice channels. The step ofestablishing an extended data communication path under a twelve channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol Plus between a handset and acommunication docking bay may comprise using four fixed frequencieshaving a bandwidth of twelve times a bandwidth of an extended voicechannel by combining twelve contiguous voice channels. The method mayfurther comprise establishing a communication path for transmitting andreceiving signals between a handset and an external network viacommunication docking bay connected to the external network. Theexternal network may be selected from the group consisting of a PublicSwitch Telephone Network, a fiber optic communication link, a coaxialcable, a public TCP/IP network, and a satellite communication link. Thehandsets may be communication docking bays. The transmitting signals maycomprise digitizing, buffering and encoding voice frames andtransmitting the voice frames in packets at a date rate that is at leasttwice that required for real-time decoding, whereby transmitting timerequires less than half of real time, and receiving signals may comprisereceiving and decoding the voice frame packets at a data rate that isequal to that required for real-time decoding, whereby receiving timerequires less than half of real-time. The method may further comprisetransmitting and receiving information over a reference channel forproviding handsets and a communication docking bays with time and dateinformation, microcell and macrocell identification code, attentioncodes, and broadcast text messages. The method may further comprisetransmitting and receiving information over a call initiation channelfor handling handset and communication docking bay initial registration,periodic registration, authorization and short id assignment, callrequests, call frequency assignment, call progress prior to voice anddata channel use, and acknowledgement. The method may further comprisetransmitting and receiving information over a call maintenance channelfor call completion, call request, 911 position report, call handofffrequency, call waiting notification, voice message notification, textmessage notification, and acknowledgement.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a wirelesscommunication system for voice and data signals comprises means forestablishing a local communication path for transmitting and receivingsignals between a local handset and a communication docking bay within asame microcell via a signal extender, means for establishing an extendedcommunication path for transmitting and receiving signals between anextended handset and an extended communication docking bay locatedwithin different microcells positioned within a same macrocell viasignal extenders and a network extender, means for establishing adistant communication path for transmitting and receiving signalsbetween a distant handset and a distant communication docking baylocated within different microcells positioned within differentmacrocells via signal extenders and network extenders, and means forasynchronously transmitting and receiving half-duplex signals over thecommunication paths using pairs of assigned communication pathfrequencies stabilized by a GPS-based frequency reference source. Themeans for establishing a local communication path for transmitting andreceiving signals between a local handset and a local communicationdocking bay within a same microcell via a signal extender may comprise alocal handset for encoding voice and data frame packets and transmittingthese packets as radio frequency signals in a low radio frequency band,a signal extender for receiving, amplifying, and shifting a frequency ofthe local handset and communication docking bay signals in the low radiofrequency band to a high radio frequency band and transmitting the highradio frequency band signals, a local communication docking bay forreceiving signals in the high radio frequency band from the signalextender and decoding the received signals into a voice and data framepacket, the local communication docking bay for encoding voice and dataframe packets and transmitting these packets as radio frequency signalsin a low radio frequency band, and the local handset for receivingsignals in the high radio frequency band from the signal extender anddecoding the received signals into a voice and data frame packet. Themeans for establishing an extended communication path for transmittingand receiving signals between an extended handset and an extendedcommunication docking bay within different microcells positioned withina same macrocell via signal extenders and a network extender maycomprise an extended handset for encoding voice and data frame packetsand transmitting these packets as radio frequency signals in a lowfrequency band, a first signal extender for receiving, amplifying, andshifting a frequency of the extended handset signals in the low radiofrequency band to a high radio frequency band and transmitting the highradio frequency band signals from the first signal extender to thenetwork extender, the network extender for receiving, amplifying, andshifting a frequency of signal extender signals in the high radiofrequency band to a low radio frequency band and transmitting the lowradio frequency band signals from the network extender to selectedsignal extenders, a second signal extender for receiving, amplifying,and shifting a frequency of the network extender signals in the lowfrequency band to a high radio frequency band and transmitting the highradio frequency band signals, an extended communication docking bay forreceiving the second signal extender signals in the high radio frequencyband and decoding the received signals into a voice and data framepacket the extended communication docking bay for encoding voice anddata frame packets and transmitting these packets as radio frequencysignals in a low frequency band, the second signal extender forreceiving, amplifying, and shifting a frequency of the extendedcommunication docking bay signals in the low radio frequency band to ahigh radio frequency band and transmitting the high radio frequency bandsignals from the second signal extender to the network extender, thefirst signal extender for receiving, amplifying, and shifting afrequency of the network extender signals in the low frequency band to ahigh radio frequency band and transmitting the high radio frequency bandsignals, and the extended handset for receiving the first signalextender signals in the high radio frequency band and decoding thereceived signals into a voice and data frame packet. The means forestablishing a distant communication path for transmitting and receivingsignals between a distant handset and a distant communication dockingbay within different microcells positioned within different macrocellsvia signal extenders and network extenders may further comprise a firstnetwork extender for receiving, amplifying the first signal extendersignals and transmitting the first signal extender signals to a secondnetwork extender over a dedicated communication link, and the secondnetwork extender for receiving and shifting a frequency of first signalextender signals in the high radio frequency band to a low radiofrequency band and transmitting the low radio frequency band signalsfrom the second network extender to the second signal extender. Amicrocell may comprise a geographical area containing one or morehandsets carried by mobile users, communication docking bays, and asignal extender, and a macrocell may comprise a geographical areacontaining between one and twenty one microcells, and a networkextender. The communication docking bays may comprise externalcommunication paths for transmitting and receiving signals between thecommunication docking bays and an external communication network toenable handsets and devices associated with the docking bays to connectto the external network through the docking bays. The external networkmay be selected form the group consisting of a Public Switch TelephoneNetwork, a fiber optic communication link, a coaxial cable, a publicTCP/IP network, and a satellite communication link. The communicationdocking bays may comprise local communication paths for transmitting andreceiving signals between the communication docking bays and a localcommunication network. The local communication network may be selectedfrom the group consisting of wireless handsets associated with thecommunication docking bay, local extension telephones connected to aPublic Switch Telephone Network via the communication docking bay, aninfrared link, a Bluetooth link, a wired computer local area network, awireless local area computer network, a security system and anothercommunication docking bay link. The communication docking bays maycomprise a processor for controlling communication docking bay operationcomprising a digital signal processor, a controller, and memory, a userinterface comprising a display, a keypad, visual indicator, audioannunciator, microphone and speaker, a vocoder connected to a microphoneand speaker interface, a power manager, mobile handset recharge bays,battery and power source, an external data interface, connections forfixed telephone handset extensions, connections to a Public SwitchTelephone Network, a primary mode transceiver having a transmitter andtwo receivers connected to an omni-directional antenna for use with a DWprotocol, and a secondary mode transceiver for providing service using astandard protocol. The communication docking bays may include optionalinterface connections selected from the group consisting of an infrareddata interface, an external keyboard interface, an external monitorinterface, a video camera interface, a Bluetooth interface, a LAN/cablemodem interface, an E-911 position locator interface, a GPS positionlocator interface, a hard drive interface, a CD/DVD drive interface, aPublic Switch Telephone Network modem interface, and an external antennainterface. The handsets and communication docking bays may transmitvoice and data packets half of the time and receive voice and datapackets half of the time when in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a deployment of two embodiments of the present wirelesscommunication system;

FIG. 2 shows a relationship between adjacent macrocells in a cellulartopology;

FIG. 3 shows a relationship between adjacent microcells in a macrocelltopology;

FIG. 4 shows the radio frequency spectrum used by the present wirelesscommunication system;

FIG. 5 shows the radio frequency protocol used by the present wirelesscommunication system;

FIG. 6 shows a signal flow diagram of communication paths between ahandset in one Microcell and a ComDoc in another Microcell;

FIG. 7 shows a signal flow diagram of communication paths between ahandset and a ComDoc in the same Microcell;

FIG. 8 shows single channel voice or data frames and packets between ahandset and a ComDoc;

FIG. 9 shows four channel CCAP data frames and packets between a handsetand a ComDoc;

FIG. 10 shows reference channel framing;

FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram for a call initiation channel and a callmaintenance channel;

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a handset;

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a signal extender;

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of a network extender.

FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of a ComDoc (Communications Docking Bay);

FIG. 16 shows optional features that may be added to the ComDoc toexpand its capability; and

FIG. 17 shows examples of prefix codes for accessing ComDoc functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a deployment 10 of two embodiments11, 12 of a wireless communication system connected to othercommunication networks 16, 19, in accordance with the present inventiveconcepts. The wireless communication systems 11, 12 are composed offundamental elements that include handsets 300, ComDocs 900, signalextenders (SE) 600, and network extenders (NE) 800. The handsets 300 aresimilar in features and functions to cellular and PCS handsets. Theysupport two mobile wireless protocols: a novel DW protocol (DW mode)described in the present disclosure, and a secondary standard wirelessprotocol (roaming mode). The present invention includes the DW protocol.The secondary protocol may be selected from several standard alternativeprotocols. The system infrastructure for the secondary protocol is notaddressed in this disclosure. The wireless communication systeminfrastructure (SEs 600 and NEs 800) and the DW wireless protocol arecompletely independent of the secondary mode. The ComDoc 900(Communications Docking Bay) is a communications device utilizing twocommunications protocols, the DW Protocol for wireless communicationsover the frequencies also designated for DW wireless handsets and a PSTNlandline communications protocol. The ComDoc 900 is an alternativecommunications path for DW wireless handset to reach the PSTN withoutaccessing a signal path to the PSTN through the conventional signalextender 600 to network extender 800 frequency links, and networkextender to PSTN interface. It also serves as a communications path fromthe home landline telephone sets, through the ComDoc 900 to a signalextender 600 to a DW wireless handset 300. The ComDoc 900 can also serveas an alternative communications path for delivery of bi-directionalwireless wide-band Internet services to a home computer via a signalextender 600 to network extender 800 to PSTN interface signal path. Thesignal extender (SE) 600 is a relay that amplifies and translates thefrequency of wireless radio frequency (RF) signals between handsets 300and a Network Extender (NE) 800, between two handsets 300, between aComDoc 900 and signal extender 600, and between handset 300 to signalextender 600 to ComDoc 900 to PSTN.

There are many permutations and combinations of signal paths that arepossible in the present system. For example, handsets 300 or ComDocs 900in the same microcell may communicate with one another via a signalextender 600. Handsets 300 or ComDocs 900 in different microcells butwithin the dame macrocell may communicate with on another via signalextenders 600 and network extenders 800. Since computers andconventional telephones may be connected to a ComDoc 900, these devicesmay also communicate with other devices connected to the wirelessnetwork 11, 14. Two or more computers may connect to one another via thewireless network, 11, 12 at a minimum data rate of 56 kbps usingContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol, or up to a maximum data rate of250 kbps using Contiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol Plus via a singlesignal extender 600. Similarly, since a laptop computer may be connectedto a wireless handset 300, it may also communicate with other devicesconnected to the wireless network 11, 14. Since a ComDoc 900 may also beconnected to a PSTN, cable or other communication network medium, ahandset may communicate directly or indirectly via a signal extender 600to a ComDoc 900 to a PSTN network 19 or cable network. A ComDoc 900 mayalso communicate via a signal extender 600 and a network extender 800 toa PSTN network 19.

The antenna pattern between the SE 600 and handsets 300 is generallyomni-directional, since the handsets 300 are typically mobile throughoutthe surrounding area of the SE 600. The antenna pattern between a ComDoc900 and a signal extender 600 is also generally omni-directional, sincethe ComDoc 900 operates on the same designated frequencies as thehandsets 300 and may be moved to a new location at anytime. In contrast,the antenna pattern between the SE 600 and NE 800 can be a narrow beamsince the SE 600 and NE 800 sites are both at fixed locations. The SE600 is analogous to a simplified “base transceiver station” or BTS in acellular or PCS system. A key point to simplification is that the SE 600does not switch, process, or demodulate individual channels or calls. Itis limited in function to relaying blocks of RF spectrum. The NE 800 isa central hub and switch for interconnecting calls both within thesystem and to external networks such as the PSTN. The NE 800 assistshandsets 300 in establishing calls, assists in interconnecting ComDocs900 and handsets 300 within the DWCS service area, assists ComDoc 900 toComDoc 900 data links within the DWCS service area, manages thevoice/data and signaling channels, and effectively connects calls forSEs 600 that are connected to the NE 800. Since the NE 800 must be inradio line-of-sight with the SEs 600 that it services, its location sitemay be critical in system deployment. A hardware connection between theSE 600 and the NE 800 may substitute for difficult line-of-sitedeployments. The NE 800 is analogous to a simplified “mobile switchingcenter” or MSC in a cellular or PCS system. While an MSC may be comparedto a telephone CO (central office) 18 or TO (toll office), the NE 800more closely compares to a PBX (Private Branch Exchange), which connectsto a CO 18 or TO. The NE 800 enables the wireless communication systems11, 12 to function independently of an external network.

The wireless communication systems 11, 12 are deployed as networks asshown in FIG. 1. The networks 11, 12 consists of one or more fixed NE800 sites and a number of fixed SE 600 sites associated with each NE800. The networks 11, 12 are essentially the infrastructure required toservice mobile handsets 300 in a given geographical area. A network thatincludes multiple NEs 800 must support the exchange of digital voice,signaling, and data between NEs 800 in the network. The networks 11, 12shown in FIG. 1, are isolated unless one or more NEs 800 are connectedto a PSTN 19, the Internet (for internet services or voice-over-IP) orto a dedicated fiber optic network 16. With PSTN 19 access, the networks11, 12 can support calls between isolated networks 11, 12, as well asincoming and outgoing calls with other phones in the PSTN 19. Internetaccess via internet service providers (ISPs) 15 enable remote systemmonitoring, data entry, sharing of system databases and voice-over IP,while connection to a dedicated fiber optic cable provides a dedicatedfiber optic network between NE's 800.

In FIG. 1, the wireless communication system #1, 11 comprises threemacrocells, where each macrocell includes a network extender 800communicating with a number of signal extenders 600 that communicatewith a number of handsets 300 and/or ComDocs 900. The network extenders800 are connected together by communication backbones 13. Networkextenders 800 may also connect to a PSTN 19 via a trunk line 17 to acentral switching office 18. Network extenders 800 may also connect tothe Internet via a connection 14 to an Internet service provider 15.Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, wireless communication systems 11, 12 maybe interconnected through the Internet 16, a PSTN 19 connection, or aComDoc-to-PSTN interface.

Turning now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows a relationship between adjacentmacrocells 22 in a cellular topology 20. The fixed NE 800 and SE 600sites of a wireless communication system are organized in a cellulartopology 20 similar to the tower arrangement in a cellular or PCSsystem. The cellular topology 20 promotes frequency reuse and iseffective in installation planning. In the present invention, two celltypes are defined: microcells 32 and macrocells 22 containing multiplemicrocells 32. The microcell 32 is the basic building block, and themacrocell 22 is typically a group of 21 microcells 32 as shown in FIG.2.

Turning now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a relationship between adjacentmicrocells 32 in a macrocell topology 30. A SE 600 is central to eachmicrocell 32, while an NE 800 is central to each macrocell 22. Ninedifferent microcell types are defined, designated A1-3, B1-3, and C1-3,for the purpose of frequency division multiple access (FDMA). Eachmicrocell type uses a common subset of frequencies. No two microcells 32of the same type are ever adjacent, even when macrocells 32 areadjacent.

Turning now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows the radio frequency spectrum 40 usedby the present wireless communication system. The present wirelesscommunication system utilizes the Broadband PCS radio frequencyspectrum, licensed in the United States by the FCC (FederalCommunications Commission). The frequency range that it covers isbetween 1850 megahertz and 1990 megahertz, and includes PCS low band 42and PCS high band 44. Licenses must be acquired for one or more PCSblocks, A through F, shown in FIG. 4.

Turning now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows the DW radio frequency protocol 50used by the present wireless communication system. The DW protocol 50utilizes the PCS spectrum as illustrated in FIG. 5. The PCS low band 42is reserved for SE 600 receive frequencies, and the high band 44 for SE600 transmit frequencies. Half of each band is reserved for signalsbetween the SEs 600 and the handsets 300, or between SE's 600 andComDoc's 900, with the other half for signals between the SEs 600 andthe NE 800. Regarding the wireless communications system depicted inFIG. 5, a ComDoc 900 communicates with a SE 600 in the same manner thata handset 300 communicates with a SE 600. With duplex filtering and80-MHz separation between the low band 42 and high band 44, the SE 600can simultaneously receive and transmit signals without compromisingreceiver sensitivity. This frequency plan allows calls to take placeasynchronously, which simplifies the design. Although many possibletiming architectures may be used in the present wireless communicationsystem, an asynchronous system architecture was selected to provide thebest fit to the key requirements of cost, range and user density.Asynchronous operation of the present wireless communication systemallows greater flexibility in system geographic layout, simpler digitalprotocol, and channel separation structure. Conventional digitalcellular and PCS systems are designed such that synchronous operation isa necessity. CDMA cellular/PCS systems require synchronous operation toinsure demodulation and precise coordination of power control and TDMAcellular/PCS systems require synchronous operation to prevent time slotinterference. Synchronous operation allows the system design to makevery efficient use of the assigned spectrum (high user density) for agiven size geographic area for a trade-offs in system complexity, cost,and flexibility. The present wireless communication system has lowerdensity requirements (rural environment), so the advantages ofasynchronous operation became very beneficial to the required costeffectiveness of the present system design. FIG. 5 also shows how thePCS bands are further divided into sub-bands dedicated for each of the 9microcell types. Each microcell (see 32, FIG. 3) uses the sub-bandsassigned for its particular type (alpha-numeric designator A1, A2, A3,B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, or C3) in order to preclude interference withadjacent microcells (since adjacent microcells are never of the sametype). The microcell sub-bands are 825 kHz wide for PCS blocks ABC, and275 kHz wide for blocks DEF. The definition of 9 microcell typesprovides two additional non-adjacent types beyond the minimum 7 that arerequired for a hexagonal cell layout with FDMA shown in FIG. 3. For amicrocell 32 in the cell pattern illustrated in FIG. 3, the additionaltwo non-adjacent types are the other two alpha designators with the samenumeric designator. For example, the sub-bands for microcell types A2and C2 are not used in the microcells adjacent to microcell B2.Sub-bands A1ML, A2ML, A3ML, B1ML, B2ML, B3ML, C1ML, C2ML and C3ML areassigned to communication from a handset 300 or ComDoc 900 to a signalextender 600. Sub-bands A1MH, A2MH, A3MH, B1MH, B2MH, B3MH, C1MH, C2MHand C3MH are assigned to communication from a signal extender 600 to ahandset 300 or ComDoc 900. Sub-bands A1XL, A2XL, A3XL, B1XL, B2XL, B3XL,C1XL, C2XL and C3XL are assigned to communication from a networkextender 800 to a signal extender 600. Sub-bands A1XH, A2XH, A3XH, B1XH,B2XH, B3XH, C1XH, C2XH and C3XH are assigned to communication from asignal extender 600 to a network extender 800.

Turning now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows an example of a signal flow diagram60 of communication paths 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 between ahandset 301 and a ComDoc 901, each located in two different microcellsB1, 73 and B2, 75, respectively. The signal flow diagram 60 illustratesan example of frequency usage in the system. In FIG. 6, an extended pathcall is shown between the handset 301 and the ComDoc 901 in twodifferent microcells 73, 75 that are switched at a NE 801 in a macrocellA2, 74. The communication from the handset 301 to the signal extender601 in microcell B1, 73 is omni-directional and is carried on sub-bandB1ML 61. The communication from the signal extender 601 to the handset301 in microcell B1, 73 is omni-directional and is carried on sub-bandB1MH 68. The communication from the signal extender 601 in microcell B1,73 to the network extender 801 in macrocell A2, 74 is highly directionaland is carried on sub-band B1XH 62. The communication from the networkextender 801 in macrocell A2, 74 to the signal extender 601 in microcellB1, 73 is highly directional and is carried on sub-band B1XL 67. Thecommunication from the network extender 801 in macrocell A2, 74 to thesignal extender 602 in microcell B2, 75 is highly directional and iscarried on sub-band B2XL 63. The communication from the signal extender602 in microcell B2, 75 to the network extender 801 in macrocell A2, 74is highly directional and is carried on sub-band B2XH 66. Thecommunication from the signal extender 602 in microcell B2, 75 to theComDoc 901 in microcell B2, 75 is omni-directional and is carried onsub-band B2MH 64. The communication from the ComDoc 901 in microcell B2,75 to the signal extender 602 in microcell B2, 75 is omni-directionaland is carried on sub-band B2ML 65.

Turning now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows a signal flow diagram 70 ofcommunication paths 76, 77 between a handset 303 and a ComDoc 903 withinthe same microcell C3, 71. The signal flow diagram 60 illustrates anexample of frequency usage in the system. In FIG. 7, a local path callis shown between the handset 303 and the ComDoc 903 in the samemicrocell C3, 71, in which case no central NE switching is required.Note in FIG. 7 that the sub-band used for the local path calls differsfrom the microcell type, but is usable because it is one of the twonon-adjacent microcell types (i.e., different alpha, but same numericdesignator). The communication path from the handset 303 to the signalextender 603 is carried on sub-band B3ML 76, and the communication fromthe signal extender 603 to the ComDoc 903 is carried on sub-band B3MH77. The communication path from the ComDoc 903 to the signal extender603 is carried on sub-band B3ML 76, and the communication from thesignal extender 603 to the ComDoc 903 is carried on sub-band B3MH 77.FIG. 7 also shows examples of other communication channels that may beconnected to the ComDoc 903. These auxiliary channels include aconnection to a PSTN 905, a connection to a desktop computer 909, and aconnection to a telephone handset 907. Note that by connecting a laptopcomputer 305 to the mobile handset 303, the laptop computer 305 has thecapability of communicating with the

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the physical relationships between handset 301,303, ComDocs 901, 903, signal extenders 601-603, network extender 801,microcells 71, 73, 75 and macrocell 74. A macrocell is able to utilizethe full amount of PCS spectrum that is licensed. This is achieved byincluding at least one microcell of each of the 9 types (A1-3, B1-3,C1-3) in a macrocell, as shown in FIG. 3. In addition, spectrum may bereused within a macrocell among non-adjacent microcells and through theuse of directional antennas for the SE-to-NE communication links, whichare between fixed sites. The radio frequency (RF) waveform is producedusing GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) modulation and a data rate of16 kbps. Baseband filtering limits the 3-dB channel bandwidth to 12.5kHz. The resultant waveform is a “constant envelope” type, meaning thatthere is no intended amplitude modulation. The wireless communicationsystem RF coverage and range depend upon the RF parameters of the system(frequency, bandwidth, transmit power, receive sensitivity, antennagain, etc.), the radio horizon, and the amount of signal occlusion inthe line-of-sight between the SE and handset. The RF parameters arespecified so that the radio horizon is normally the limiting factor. Theradio horizon is a function of the antenna heights and curvature of theearth. As an example, an SE antenna on top of a 100-foot tower can “see”handsets located out to about 14 miles actual ground distance from thebase of the tower. Terrain and man-made structures present the potentialfor signal occlusions, i.e., non-line-of-sight conditions, which reduceeffective coverage and range. Urban propagation models for RF signalsshow a significant decrease in range compared to clear line-of-sightconditions. For example, the RF conditions that yield 253 miles of rangewhen operated with a clear line-of-sight yield only 4 miles with theurban model. The deployment of the wireless communication system inrural areas alleviates the potential for urban occlusions, but terrainis still a factor. Microcell/macrocell layout and SE/NE antenna siteselection will be required for each installation based on carefulplanning, consideration, and test of the propagation conditions andphysical constraints of the geographical area. The use of the 1.9-GHzPCS spectrum affects the range, amount of multipath, and signalpenetration capability compared to other frequency bands such as VHF andUHF, and therefore must be considered in site layout and planning.

The channelization protocol includes elements of control (signaling) anddata (voice/data). The available RF spectrum is broken down intovoice/data and signaling channels as shown in Table 1, which shows thenumber of channels per microcell per PCS block.

TABLE 1 Channel Type Function PCS Block (ABC) PCS Block (DEF) ExtendedPath Voice/Data 63 19 Local Path Voice/Data 63 19 Reference Signaling 11 Call Initiation Signaling 1 1 Call Maintenance Signaling 1 1

Note that the total number of extended plus local channels may not beavailable for simultaneous use. A minimum total of 96 channels isrequired. Channels are comprised of a transmit/receive pair offrequencies separated by 80 MHz. The handset uplink (handset to NE) usestwo channel halves, one for handset to SE, and one for SE to NE.Similarly, the handset downlink (NE to handset) uses the other halves ofthe same two channels, one for NE to SE, and one for SE to handset. TheSE provides the necessary frequency translation for both the uplink anddownlink. The handset and NE channel pairs are different, but 80 MHzseparates each pair. The fixed 80-MHz offset is built into the handsetand NE transceiver designs to allow for microsecond switching betweenreceive and transmit functions. Local path calls, as shown in FIG. 7,present an exception to the channel concept described in the precedingdiscussion because these calls do not have an uplink/downlink with theNE. As a result, they use only one channel pair, which is shared betweenthe two handsets. The SE is still required to provide the frequencytranslation.

Turning now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 shows voice or data frames and packets 80between a handset and a ComDoc. A number of voice data channels (VDCs)are used in each microcell to carry voice/data call traffic in thewireless communication system. Each VDC is dedicated to a single call(i.e., voice/data channels are not multiplexed) to simplify the design.Two VDC types are defined, extended path and local path, as illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 7. Four fixed physical frequencies from the microcellsub-band spectrum are allocated for each extended VDC (i.e., uplink fromhandsets to SE, uplink from SE to NE, downlink from NE to SE, anddownlink from SE to handsets). In contrast, the frequencies for thelocal VDCs are allocated from the sub-band spectrum of one of the twonon-adjacent microcell types, which are identified by different alpha,but same numeric designator. For example, in microcell type B2, thelocal VDCs use the frequencies from microcell type A2 or C2. Since thesecells are non-adjacent, interference is precluded. It is noted that forthe local VDC, only two fixed physical frequencies are required (i.e.,uplink from handsets to SE, downlink from SE to handsets) since the NEis not utilized. Local VDCs are contained within the microcell, whileextended VDCs are connected through the NE to other microcells,macrocells, and/or the PSTN. Calls between handsets located in the samemicrocell use local VDCs to increase system capacity by reducing thenumber of calls switched through the NE. The use of separate sub-bandblocks for extended and local path/data channels allows the SE to relaythe extended VDCs to the NE, and the local VDCs back within themicrocell for receipt by other handsets. The number of VDCs in amicrocell depends on the amount of spectrum that is available: 38 VDCs(19 local, 19 extended) in a 5-MHz block (D, E, or F) or 96 VDCs (63 maxlocal, 63 max extended) in a 15-MHz block (A, B, or C). One VDC isrequired for each call in a microcell. Extended VDCs support one handsetor ComDoc. Local VDCs support two handsets, or a handset and a ComDoc,but still only one call. The advantage of the local VDC is that thehandsets share the channel (which saves a VDC), and the complementarychannels for the uplink/downlink are not required (which saves two moreVDCs). The result is one channel pair required versus four channel pairsfor an extended path call. Whenever one of the handsets on a local VDCcall leaves the microcell, the call must be handed off to separateextended VDCs for each handset. The VDC protocol is half-duplex on thephysical channel, but is effectively full duplex from the user'sperspective. This is achieved by buffering and encoding the digitizedvoice data, and transmitting it in packets at a higher data rate than isrequired for realtime decoding. As a result, the handset is able totoggle back and forth between its transmit and receive functions at aneven rate (50% transmit, 50% receive). This alternating transmit-receive“ping-pong” approach is illustrated in FIG. 8. An advantage of theping-pong approach is that full-duplex transmit and receivefunctionality is not required of the handset. Consequently the handsetarchitecture uses a transmit/receive (TR) switch instead of a duplexer,to significantly reduce cost, size, and weight. A 40 ms voice frame (20ms transmit window, 20 ms receive window) will be utilized as shown inFIG. 8 based on the vocoder (voice encoder/decoder) packet size. Theframe length sets the minimum buffering delay since the voice signalmust be fully acquired in realtime and packetized before transmission.Delays due to frame lengths much above 40 ms may become perceptible tothe user. On the other hand, short frame lengths much less than 40 msreduce efficiency and are not desired. Some call maintenance actionsrequire that the handset drop a voice frame. This may be perceptible tothe user but will be an infrequent occurrence. This approach allows thehandset to use only one transmitter to conserve size, weight, powerconsumption, and cost. A small amount of in-band signaling data isavailable on the VDC, for example, DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency)codes for digits dialed during a call, and call progress codes includinghangup indication. This in-band signaling data is shown on FIG. 8,labeled “OH” for overhead data. As shown in FIG. 8, 40 ms encoded voiceframes 81 are compressed into a transmit window voice packet 82 andtransmitted from the handset with overhead data OH. The voice andoverhead packets are received as a received window voice packets 83 bythe ComDoc and decompressed into 40 ms decoded voice frames 84. Thereverse of this process is being carried on by the ComDoc compressingand transmitting to the handset where the voice frame is decompressedand decoded by the handset.

Turning now to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 shows four channel Contiguous ChannelAcquisition Protocol (CCAP) data frames and packets between a handsetand a ComDoc. As shown in FIG. 9, 40 ms encoded voice frames 91 arecompressed into a transmit window data packet 92, which comprises fourcontiguous voice channels, and transmitted from the handset withoverhead data OH. The data and overhead packets are received as areceived window data packets 93 by the ComDoc and decompressed into 40ms decoded data frames 94. The reverse of this process is being carriedon by the ComDoc compressing and transmitting to the handset where thedata frame is decompressed and decoded by the handset. By using fourcontiguous voice channels to transmit data, the channel bandwidth isincreased four-fold, or up to approximately 56 kbps. This featureenables a laptop computer connected to a mobile handset to communicateat a 56 kbps rate with a desktop computer connected to a ComDoc, asshown in FIG. 7. Other communication paths are also possible, such as alaptop connected to a mobile handset communicating via a ComDoc and aPSTN to an Internet service provider. If twelve contiguous voicechannels were available to transmit data using a CCAP+ protocol, thechannel bandwidth may be increased twelve-fold, or up to approximately200 kbps. The added bandwidths are obtained by adding adjacent channelstogether to obtain a higher data rate.

Turning now to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 shows reference channel framing 100. Asingle, shared Reference Channel (RC) is used in each microcell forbroadcast to handsets and ComDocs. Four fixed physical frequencies fromthe microcell sub-band spectrum are allocated for the RC (i.e., uplinkfrom handsets to SE, uplink from SE to NE, downlink from NE to SE, anddownlink from SE to handsets), although the handset and ComDoc uplink isnot utilized. The handsets and ComDocs read the RC to identify thepresence of service. Without the RC, the handsets and ComDocs areinoperable. Besides identifying wireless communication system service,the RC is used by the handset to adjust its internal frequency reference(typically a voltage-controlled temperature-compensated crystaloscillator or VCTCXO). This adjustment capability allows the handset toachieve increased frequency accuracy and stability and thus improvedbit-error performance in demodulation of signals. The followinginformation is also provided to the handset on the RC:

-   -   Date and Time    -   Microcell/Macrocell Identification Code    -   Handset/ComDoc Attention Codes (supports the CMC, described        below)    -   Broadcast Text Messages

The NE also transmits special commands on the RC downlink that areaddressed to the SE rather than the handsets or ComDocs. These commandsare used to remotely enable/disable the SE and assign the microcell type(which sets the frequency sub-blocks for use). Remote control of themicrocell type provides system frequency agility. The RC uplink, whilenot used by the handsets or ComDocs, is used by the SE for commandacknowledgement and status reporting to the NE. There are 9 unique RCfrequencies in the wireless communication system, one for each microcelltype. Handsets and ComDocs continually scan the RCs in order to identifythe handset and ComDoc microcell/macrocell location. This isaccomplished by monitoring the RC power levels and reading themicrocell/macrocell ID codes. Real-time tracking of handset microcelllocation is important for mobile wireless communication because handoffsare required when handsets move between microcells. This feature couldalso apply to ComDocs, if they were to be relocated. In order tofacilitate RC scanning while a call is active, the handset and ComDocarchitecture includes two parallel receivers; one dedicated to the VDC,and the other dedicated to RC scanning. As shown in FIG. 8, thehandset/ComDoc receive function is limited to about 50% duty factor whenon a call. The length of the handset/ComDoc receive window is 20 msbased on the vocoder packet size. At the system 16 kbps data rate, 20 msamounts to 320 bits. In order for the handset or ComDoc to ensurereceipt of a complete RC message, the message length must be less than ½of the handset/ComDoc receive window, or 10 ms, which amounts to 160bits. In this case, for design purposes, the RC frame is limited to 150bits. In order to meet this size limitation, data may be distributedacross multiple frames resulting in a superframe. For example, broadcastmessages are distributed across a superframe with only a few bytes ineach frame. Each RC frame within the superframe is repeated fourconsecutive times before advancing to the next frame; this is referredto as a block. Each block should be the same length as the 40 mstransmit/receive voice frame. Repeating the RC frame transmission fourtimes ensures that a complete 10-ms RC frame will fall within the 20-mshandset/ComDoc receive window no matter where the receive window beginswithin the 40-ms block. This process is illustrated in FIG. 9, whichshows examples of ComDoc voice frame alignment with RC frames.

Turning now to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram 110 for a callinitiation channel (CIC) 101, 103, 105, 107 and a call maintenancechannel (CMC) 102, 104, 106, 108. A single, shared CIC 101, 103, 105,107 is used in each microcell for ComDoc 900 registration and callestablishment. Four fixed physical frequencies from the microcellsub-band spectrum are allocated for the CIC 101, 103, 105, 107. Thesefour frequencies include an uplink 101 from ComDocs 900 to SE 600, anuplink 103 from SE 600 to NE 800, a downlink 105 from NE 800 to SE 600,and a downlink 107 from SE 600 to ComDocs 900. The CIC uplink 101 is arandom access channel whereby the ComDocs 900 within a microcell competefor its use. The ComDocs 900 listen for activity on the CIC downlink 107from the NE 800 and transmit a call initiation request when the channelis clear. Request messages include the ComDoc address (identificationnumber) and the request information. Response messages include theComDoc address along with requested information or simpleacknowledgement depending on the request. If a downlink response is notreceived when expected, then the ComDoc 900 will repeat its requestfollowing a randomly determined delay period. The delay period isintended to prevent collisions with transmissions from competing ComDocs900 and handsets on the shared uplink. The following functions arehandled on the CIC:

-   -   ComDoc initial registration to NE 800    -   ComDoc periodic registration refresh to NE 800    -   ComDoc authorization and short id assignment to ComDoc 900    -   Call request to NE 800 or to ComDoc 900    -   Call frequency assignment to ComDoc 900    -   Call progress prior to voice/data channel use to ComDoc 900    -   Acknowledgements to NE 800 or to ComDoc 900

The ComDoc ID, either an electronic serial number (ESN) or phone number,is 40 bits. When a handset 300 or ComDoc 900 initially registers in anew microcell, it will be assigned an 8-bit temporary ID for use whileregistered with that microcell. The shorter ID significantly reducesmessage lengths on the RC, CIC, and CMC where handset and ComDocaddresses are required.

Also shown in FIG. 11, a shared Call Maintenance Channel (CMC) 102, 104,106, 108 is used in each microcell for out-of-band signaling functionsonce a call has been established. Four fixed physical frequencies fromthe microcell sub-band spectrum are allocated for the CMC 102, 104, 106,108. These include an uplink 102 from ComDocs 900 to SE 600, an uplink104 from SE 600 to NE 800, a downlink 106 from NE 800 to SE 600, and adownlink 108 from SE 600 to ComDocs 900. The CMC uplink 102 is a randomaccess channel whereby the ComDocs 900 and handsets within a microcellcompete for its use, just like the CIC uplink. The following functionsare handled on the CMC:

-   -   Call completion to NE 800    -   Call handoff request to NE 800    -   911 position report to NE 800    -   Call handoff frequency to ComDoc 900    -   Call waiting notification to ComDoc 900    -   Voice message notification to ComDoc 900    -   Text message notification to ComDoc 900    -   Acknowledgements to NE 800 or to ComDoc 900

When a CMC message is pending for a ComDoc 900, the NE 800 transmits anattention code for the handset on the RC. Since the RC is periodicallymonitored by the ComDoc 900, even while it is on a call, the ComDoc 900is able to identify the attention code and then monitor the CMC downlink108 for the message. When the ComDoc 900 uses the CMC, it drops a 40-msvoice frame in order to use the channel. Consequently, CMC usage must beinfrequent and messages should be sized to fit within a single voiceframe. If no response is received to a ComDoc request, the request willbe retransmitted on another frame after a random delay. Subsequentframes are selected randomly, but the dropping of back-to-back frames isprecluded.

Turning now to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 shows a block diagram 120 of a handset300. The handset 300 includes a transceiver 310 and antenna 320. Thetransceiver 310 consists of two receivers, one transmitter, and twoprogrammable frequency synthesizers. The antenna 312 may be integratedinto the transceiver, or may be a modular type that plugs into the case.The transceiver transmit power is adjustable in 3 dB steps over a 50 dBrange relative to the maximum transmit power. The gain of thetransceiver antenna 312 is in the range of 0 to 2.5 dBi under controlledconditions. The transceiver 310 is capable of simultaneously receivingand demodulating two signals on independently programmed frequencies.The transceiver architecture includes an 80-MHz offset oscillator tofacilitate switching between transmit and receive operations on a singlechannel pair without needing to re-program a frequency synthesizer. Aprocessor 320 provides centralized control to the handset 300 andincludes a digital signal processing (DSP) 322 for demodulating signals,a controller 324 for display/keypad servicing, permanent memory 326,non-volatile memory 328, and volatile memory 330. Firmware is embeddedin the processor memory to implement protocols, control the userinterfaces for the display, keypad, menus, etc., and control theapplication program interface (API) for the secondary mode (roaming)protocol. The firmware includes a bootstrap loader that is stored inpermanent memory 326 to enable download of the main code. The main codeis stored in non-volatile memory 328 so that it is not lost in theabsence of power, but can be overwritten by subsequent downloads, e.g.,firmware updates. In addition to the main code, there also exist anumber of configuration variables that are downloaded to activate thehandset 300. These configuration variables set the user's phone numberand services subscribed, and are also stored in non-volatile memory. Thehandset firmware also manages non-volatile user memory for storage ofphone book names and numbers, received text messages, and the currentoperating mode selections (ringer volume/type, beep volume, etc.) TheProcessor 320 shall have peripheral interfaces to the followingelements:

-   -   Vocoder 340    -   E-911 position locator 350    -   Transceiver 310    -   Keypad 362    -   Display 360    -   Power Manager 370    -   Roaming Transceiver 380    -   External Data Interface 390    -   Miscellaneous controls, including ringer 366, LED 367 and        vibrator 368

Permanent memory 326 is utilized for the processor bootstrap firmwareand electronic serial number. Each handset 300 contains a uniqueelectronic serial number in permanent memory 326. The serial numberpermits a minimum of 1 billion unique serial numbers. Bootstrap softwareis also contained in permanent memory 326 to enable download of theoperational software through the handset external data port. Thenonvolatile read/write memory 328 is used for storing initializationparameters and phone book data so that battery removal or replacementdoes not require re-initialization. Each handset contains its phonenumber in non-volatile memory. The operational software is downloadableto change features or otherwise update the code. The operationalsoftware is stored in non-volatile memory 328. The operational softwareis downloadable using capabilities of the bootstrap software, theexternal data port 390, and external software. The handset is capable ofmaintaining user data in non-volatile memory 328, such as phone bookentries. The handset includes a vocoder (voice coder/decoder) 340 forprocessing the digitized voice signals. The vocoder 340 compresses andchannel code the digitized voice data in order to meet the voice qualityrequirement and to enable implementation of the RF and communicationprotocols. The handset 300 includes a microphone/speaker interface 400for interfacing a microphone 402 and speaker 404 to other handsetcomponents. The handset 300 may accept an external microphone inputsignal and shall provide an external speaker output signal. The handset300 includes a power manager 370 to assist in extending battery life.The handset 300 includes a rechargeable battery 410, but is also capableof connection to an external 11-16 Vdc power source through an externalpower interface 420. The handset 300 includes a roaming transceiver 380to serve as a secondary or alternate mode to the wireless communicationsystem described. The roaming transceiver implements one or more of thefollowing standard wireless protocols:

-   -   PCS CDMA (IS-95)    -   PCS TDMA (IS-136)    -   GSM 1900    -   AMPS

The roaming transceiver 380 includes functions for an antenna, RFtransceiver, protocol processing, and vocoder processing. The handset300 also includes provisions for a position locator function to supportthe enhanced 911 (E911) requirements if needed.

Turning now to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 shows a block diagram 130 of a signalextender (SE) 600. The SE 600 serves as a signal relay andfrequency-translator between handsets 300 and either a NE 800 or otherhandsets 300. It receives blocks of data in the PCS low band andup-converts them for re-transmission in the PCS high band, as discussedin relation to FIG. 4 through FIG. 7. In this relay process, the SE 600amplifies the radio frequency signals to increase system range andcoverage. The distinguishing feature of the SE 600 is that it does notswitch, process, or demodulate individual channels or signals; it islimited in function to relaying blocks of RF spectrum. This functionalsimplicity is intended to yield low infrastructure cost. Frequencytranslation is the primary function of the SE 600. Three such translatorfunctions shall be provided as follows:

Translator Type Relay Path Uplink Handset to NE Downlink NE to HandsetLocal Handset to Handset

Each translator is defined by the center frequency of the input spectrumblock, the bandwidth of the block, and an up-conversion offset. Theinput center frequency is a programmable parameter based on the licensedPCS block (A-F) and the microcell type (A1-3, B1-3, C1-3). The bandwidthand up-conversion offset depend on the PCS block type (ABC or DEF). Thethree SE translator functions operate with the same bandwidthspecifications. The 3bandwidth is fixed at 275 kHz for 5-MHz PCS blocktypes (DEF) or at 825 for 15-MHz PCS block types (ABC). Signals morethan 50 kHz from the band edges are rejected by at least 20 dB relativeto the band centers. Signals more than 250 kHz from the band edges arerejected by at least 40 dB relative to the band centers. The three SEtranslator functions operate with the same frequency accuracyspecifications. The input center frequency is accurate to within 2 kHzand the up-conversation offset is accurate to within 500 Hz. The uplinktranslator 610 translates a block of handset signals to the NE 800. Theprogrammable up-conversion offset is 82.5 MHz for 5-MHz PCS block types(DEF) or 87.5 MHz for 15-MHz PCS block types (ABC). The programmableinput center frequency is determined according to the followingexpression:F_(edge)+F_(guard)+Bandwidth*(Extended+0.5)

-   -   where F_(edge), F_(guard), and Bandwidth are given in Table 2,        which shows PCS block parameters for SE 600 frequency        translators.

TABLE 2 F_(edge) F_(mid) F_(guard) Bandwidth PCS Block (MHz) (MHz) (MHz)(MHz) A 1850 1857.5 0.012500 0.825000 B 1870 1877.5 C 1895 1902.5 D 18651867.5 0.037500 0.275000 E 1885 1887.5 F 1890 1892.5

Table 3 shows the values of extended and local microcell type parametersfor SE 600 frequency translators used for the determination of centerfrequencies.

Microcell Type Extended Local A1 0 1 B1 1 2 C1 2 0 A2 3 4 B2 4 5 C2 5 3A3 6 7 B3 7 8 C3 8 6

The downlink translator 620 translates a block of signals from a NE 800to the handsets 300. The programmable up-conversion offset is 77.5 MHzfor 5-MHz PCS block types (DEF) or 72.5 MHz for 15-MHz PCS block types(ABC). The programmable input center frequency is determined accordingto the following expression:F_(mid)+F_(guard)+Bandwidth*(Extended+0.5)

-   -   where F_(mid), F_(guard), and Bandwidth are given in Table 2,        and values for Extended are given in Table 3. The local        translator 630 translates a block of handset signals to other        handsets 300. The up-conversion offset is fixed to 80 MHz. The        programmable input center frequency is determined according to        the following expression:        F_(edge)+F_(guard)+Bandwidth*(Local+0.5)

where F_(edge), F_(guard), and Bandwidth are given in Table 2, and thevalue for Local is given in Table 3. The omni antenna 640 is used foromni-directional SE communication with handsets 300 in a microcell. Theantenna gain is between 2 dBi and 6 dBi. The directional antenna 650 isused for directional SE communication with the fixed NE site. Theantenna gain is 15 dBi, with a front-to-back ratio greater than 25 dB.Duplexers 645, 655 are used to achieve isolation of the antenna signalsbetween the transmit and receive frequency bands. This is required toallow full duplex, i.e., simultaneous transmit and receive, operation ofthe SE 600. The duplexers 645, 655 provide transmit-receive (andreceive-transmit) isolation of at least 80 dB. An uplink low noiseamplifier (LNA) 660 is used to receive the handset signals for theuplink translator 610 and local translator 630. The uplink LNA 660provides a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) 661 output to theSE controller 670, indicating a measure of the aggregate handsettransmission activity in the microcell. An uplink power amplifier (PA)662 is used to transmit the up-converted handset signals to the NE 800.The uplink PA 662 provides an output level of at least 26 dBm across theentire PCS High band (1930 to 1990 MHz). The uplink PA 662 is able totransmit 66 signals at +4 dBm each simultaneously without damage. Theuplink PA 662 also provides means for enabling and disabling the output.A downlink low noise amplifier (LNA) 666 is used to receive NE signalsfor the Downlink Translator 620. A downlink power amplifier (PA) 664 isused to transmit the up-converted handset signals to a NE 800. Thedownlink PA 664 provides an output level of at least 48 dBm across theentire PCS High band (1930 to 1990 MHz). The downlink PA 664 is able totransmit 99 signals at +25 dBm each simultaneously without damage. Thedownlink PA 664 also provides means for enabling and disabling theoutput.

The SE power amplifier gains of the three RF paths (uplink, downlink,local) are independently adjustable in 3 dB steps over a 60 dB rangefrom 37 to 97 dB. The gain adjustments are usually made manually duringinstallation based on the microcell size.

A control transceiver 680 is used to receive commands from the NE 800 onthe reference channel (RC) downlink, and to transmit acknowledgments andstatus reports on the RC uplink. The controller 670 is used to programthe SE configuration and monitor status for reporting. The controller670 programs the SE configuration, which consists of the Uplink,Downlink, and Local Translator frequencies, and the Uplink/Downlink PAoutput on/off state. The following information must be provided to theController:

-   -   Microcell Type (A1-3, B1-3, C1-3)    -   PCS Block (A-F)    -   Desired PA Output State (enabled or disabled)

The SE Translator frequencies are configured based on the microcell typeand PCS band as described above. The controller 670 accepts remotecommands from the NE 800 via the control transceiver 680 for programmingthe SE configuration. The controller acknowledges the NE commands. Thecontroller also provides a local port 672 such as an RS-232 for localprogramming of the configuration in the field from an external laptopcomputer. Upon power-up, the controller 670 sets the SE configuration tothe last configuration programmed. The controller periodically transmitsstatus reports to the NE 800 via the control transceiver 680. Thefollowing information is included in the status report:

-   -   Microcell type (A1-3, B1-3, C1-3)    -   PCS band (A-F)    -   PA output state (on or off)    -   Uplink LNA RSSI reading    -   Power draw reading    -   Power source state (external or battery backup)

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 690 is used to power the SEequipment and buffer it from the external power grid. In the event of anexternal power grid outage, the UPS battery backup capability is able tooperate the SE 600 for an extended period of time.

Turning now to FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B show a blockdiagram 140 of a network extender (NE) 800. The NE 800 is the centralswitching point for a macrocell, and the external interface to othermacrocells, a PSTN and the Internet. The NE 800 incorporates a GlobalPositioning System (GPS)-based reference source 810 for use instabilizing the local oscillators in wireless communication systemtransceivers. The reference output frequency is 10 MHz at the nominalaccuracy available from the GPS. The GPS reference source 810 provides areference frequency used by the NE transceivers and transmitted to theSEs 600 and handsets 300 via the Reference Channel downlink. Inaddition, the GPS reference source 810 provides date and timeinformation for the macrocell, which is broadcast on the RC downlink.The GPS reference source 810 includes the GPS antenna 814 and a backupreference source suitable to maintain frequency tolerance of RFcommunication channels. The backup source is automatically selected inthe event of GPS signal loss or receiver failure. The referencedistributor 812 provides amplification and fan-out, as necessary, tofeed the GPS reference signal to the microcell transceiver banks 820.The NE 800 uses directional antennas 824 for communication with thefixed SE sites. The antenna gain is at least 15 dBi with a front-to-backratio greater than 25 dB. There is one dedicated antenna 824 for each SE600 supported by the NE 800. Each directional antenna 824 for amicrocell is connected to a microcell transceiver bank 820. Eachmicrocell transceiver bank 820 contains a configurable number oftransceivers for processing the extended path and signaling channels forthe associated microcell. A microcell radio processor is containedwithin each macrocell receiver bank 820. Microcell servers 822 connectto radios within the microcell transceiver banks 820 to perform controlfunctions associated with a single microcell. The microcell servers 822communicate with the NE central processor 830 to route and manage callsthat connect outside of the microcell. The NE central processor 830 isable to direct the microcell servers 822 to promote a call from localmode to assisted mode, change frequency, or perform a handoff. Themicrocell servers 822 coordinate control of calls on its microcell,including performing control operations of radios within its microcelltransceiver banks 820. The microcell servers 822 accumulate the data forthe reference channel and feed it to the radio generating the RC. Theyalso process requests on the CIC and CMC and coordinate the requiredactions with the radios in its bank and the NE central processor 830. Amicrocell server 822 may handle multiple transceiver banks. Eachmicrocell server includes an Ethernet interface to connect it to thelocal area network (LAN) of the NE 800. This LAN connection permits themicrocell server 822 to communicate with the NE central processor 830and the radios to perform its control functions. The microcell serverscoordinate communication between the NE central processor 830 and themicrocell transceiver banks 820 in use. They also monitor non-responsiveradios and dynamically remove them from the active use. The microcellservers are also able to relay status/diagnostic information and commandshut down of radios not in an active configuration and to report theseconfiguration changes to the NE central processor 830. They also monitorCIC and CMC requests and relay them to the NE central processor 830 andaccept messages for the CIC and CMC and relay them to the microcelltransceiver banks 820. The NE central processor 830 coordinates callactivity within the NE 800. It processes call requests, callterminations, handoff requests, etc., and downloads control informationto microcell servers 822 and communicates with the PSTN interface 860.The NE central processor 830 performs call setup, call tear down, callrouting, and call handoff, and is responsible for performingauthorization and billing. It is externally configurable over theInternet using an Internet interface 840. The NE Central Processor 830coordinates call activities for the macrocell, and performauthorization, billing, set up, and diagnostic functions. It coordinatescalls originating or terminating within the macrocell. Calls may arrivefrom handsets 300 within the macrocell, handsets 300 within a distantmacrocell with a dedicated link to this macrocell, or from a PSTN. Thislast case includes calls from a PSTN connection over a dedicated NE-NElink, since not every NE may have a PSTN interface. Signaling from thesevarious sources are evaluated and disposition of the call is determined.Calls may be routed in the following ways:

-   -   Within a microcell using the local call mode (no NE handling of        voice data)    -   Within the macrocell (routed through NE switch w/o        decompression)    -   To a linked NE 800 (routed through the NE switch to the linked        NE w/o decompression)    -   To a local PSTN connection (routed through the NE switch to the        PSTN gateway with decompression)    -   To a PSTN connection on a remote NE 800 (routed between NEs        without decompression and then to PTSN with decompression)

Incoming calls are handled in a similar manner. The signaling is routedseparately from the voice data. The NE central processor providessource/destination information to the call terminating devices in thesystem (microcell servers/radios, PSTN gateway, and remote NE centralprocessor/PSTN gateway). It does not perform the routing function perse. For example, if there are two paths between two linked NEs, the NEcentral processor 830 depends on the switch to route the callappropriately. The software within the NE central processor 830maintains a database of subscribers. Authorized users are able to add,delete, check status, and modify records associated with handsets usingthe web page. Specifically, the NE central processor 830 shall performthe functions usually associated with the Authorization Center (AC),Home Location Register (HLR), and Visitor Location Register (VLR) oftraditional cellular systems. The NE 800 supports storage andprogramming of activation data using a secure web interface, whichprovides a way to program the information needed by the NE 800 toactivate a handset 300. The NE central processor monitors outgoingcalls, and accumulates a billing record of calls that are outside thecalling region (i.e., toll calls). The billing record includes thehandset placing the call (i.e., account number), the number called, timeof call, duration of call, and total charge for the call. This data isuploadable to a central billing system that is external to the NE 800over a secure communication link. The NE central processor 830 handlesset up information that is in addition to the subscriber recordsdescribed above. The programmable information includes a uniqueidentifier for the NE 800, numbering information for PSTN links,configuration values for the NE switch 850, PSTN interface 860, andNE-NE links 870. It also includes configuration information for themicrocells, including frequency block assignments, SE identifiers,encryption keys, and radio bank configuration (e.g., the number ofradios in use for a particular bank). The NE central processor supportsdiagnostic activities of the NE 800.

The Internet interface 840 is the physical hardware that interconnectsthe NE central processor 830 to an Internet service provider (ISP). TheNE 800 contains a mechanism to move (switch) voice/data betweendifferent radios, the PSTN, and external NEs. The switch 850 isdynamically reconfigurable to permit calls to be routed automatically tothe correct destination. The switch 850 is fast enough to permit callswithin a local wireless communication system to operate withoutperceptible delay. The PSTN interface 860 performs the protocolconversion between the typical PSTN interfaces (T1 or E1) and theinternal method used by the NE switch 850. The PSTN interface 860performs out-of-band signaling using Signaling System 7 (SS7) signalingprotocol, such that the NE 800 can act as a central office (CO). ThePSTN interface 860 coordinates with the NE central processor 830 toplace and receive calls involving the PSTN. The NE interface 870provides a fixed voice/data communication link for call routing to otherNEs in the wireless network. The wireless communication system isconfigurable to support zero, one, or two external NEs. The NE interfacesupports three technology types: direct copper connections using DS-1connections, direct fiber connections using OC-3 links, and radio linkswith the DS-1 bandwidth. The NE 800 includes a control bus 890 forrouting data and control between the central processor 830 and themicrocell servers 822, switch 850, NE interface 870, and PSTN interface860. The control bus may be a {fraction (10/100)} Mbps Ethernet LAN(local area network). An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 880 is usedto power the NE equipment and buffer it from the external power grid. Inthe event of an external power grid outage, the UPS battery backupcapability is able to operate the NE for an extended period of time.

Turning now to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of a CommunicationDocking Bay (ComDoc) 900. The ComDoc 900 includes all the features andfunctions of a mobile handset, as described above in relation to FIG.12. The ComDoc 900 includes a transceiver 940 and antenna 942. Thetransceiver 940 consists of two receivers, one transmitter, and twoprogrammable frequency synthesizers. The antenna 942 may be integratedinto the transceiver, or may be a modular type that plugs into the unit.The transceiver transmit power is adjustable in 3 dB steps over a 50 dBrange relative to the maximum transmit power. The gain of thetransceiver antenna 942 is in the range of 0 to 2.5 dBi under controlledconditions. The transceiver 940 is capable of simultaneously receivingand demodulating two signals on independently programmed frequencies.The transceiver architecture includes an 80-MHz offset oscillator tofacilitate switching between transmit and receive operations on a singlechannel pair without needing to re-program a frequency synthesizer. Aprocessor 910 provides centralized control to the ComDoc 900 andincludes a digital signal processing (DSP) 912 for demodulating signals,a controller 914 for display/keypad servicing, and permanent,non-volatile and volatile memory 916. Firmware is embedded in theprocessor memory to implement protocols, control the user interfaces forthe display, keypad, menus, etc., and control the application programinterface (API) for the secondary mode protocol. The firmware includes abootstrap loader that is stored in permanent memory 916 to enabledownload of the main code. The main code is stored in non-volatilememory 916 so that it is not lost in the absence of power, but can beoverwritten by subsequent downloads, e.g., firmware updates. In additionto the main code, there also exist a number of configuration variablesthat are downloaded to activate the ComDoc 900. These configurationvariables set the user's phone number and services subscribed, and arealso stored in non-volatile memory. The handset firmware also managesnon-volatile user memory for storage of phone book names and numbers,received text messages, and the current operating mode selections(ringer volume/type, beep volume, etc.). The Processor 910 shall haveperipheral interfaces to the following elements:

-   -   Vocoder 944    -   Transceiver 940    -   Keypad 920    -   Display 922    -   Power Manager 930    -   Secondary Transceiver 950    -   Notification Device Interface 924

Permanent memory 916 is utilized for the processor bootstrap firmwareand electronic serial number. Each ComDoc 900 contains a uniqueelectronic serial number in permanent memory 916. The serial numberpermits a minimum of 1 billion unique serial numbers. Bootstrap softwareis also contained in permanent memory 916 to enable download of theoperational software through an external data port 958. The nonvolatileread/write memory 916 is used for storing initialization parameters andphone book data so that battery removal or replacement does not requirere-initialization. Each handset contains its phone number innon-volatile memory. The operational software is downloadable to changefeatures or otherwise update the code. The operational software isstored in non-volatile memory 916. The operational software isdownloadable using capabilities of the bootstrap software, an externaldata port, and external software. The handset is capable of maintaininguser data in non-volatile memory 916, such as phone book entries. Thehandset includes a vocoder (voice coder/decoder) 944 for processing thedigitized voice signals. The vocoder 944 compresses and channel code thedigitized voice data in order to meet the voice quality requirement andto enable implementation of the RF and communication protocols. TheComDoc 900 includes a microphone 946 and speaker 948. The ComDoc 900 mayaccept an external microphone input signal and shall provide an externalspeaker output signal. The ComDoc 900 includes a power manager 930 toassist in extending battery life. The ComDoc 900 includes a rechargeablebattery 934, but is also capable of connection to an external powersource through an external power interface. The ComDoc 900 includes asecondary transceiver 950 to serve as a secondary or alternate mode tothe wireless communication system described. The secondary transceiverimplements one or more of the following standard wireless protocols:

-   -   PCS CDMA (IS-95)    -   PCS TDMA (IS-136)    -   GSM 1900    -   AMPS

The secondary transceiver 950 includes functions for an antenna, RFtransceiver, protocol processing, and vocoder processing. The ComDoc 900also includes provisions for a position locator function to support theenhanced 911 (E911) requirements if needed. The ComDoc 900 includes aPSTN line capture module 952 for connection to one or more PSTN lines.This enables multiple telephone jacks to be provided on the ComDoc 900for connecting fixed telephone handsets 956 and computer modems to thePSTN lines 954. In addition to an audio annunciator 926 and a visualindicator 928, the ComDoc 900 provides handset recharge bays 932.

Turning now to FIG. 16, FIG. 16 shows optional features that may beadded to the ComDoc 900 to expand its capability. Communicationinterfaces include an infrared data interface 960, a Bluetooth interface968, a LAN/cable modem interface 970, a PSTN modem interface 980, and anexternal antenna interface 982 for the wireless communications network.User interfaces include an external keyboard interface 962, an externalvideo monitor interface 964, and a video camera interface 966.Interfaces to locator equipment include an E-911 position locatorinterface 972 and a GPS position locator interface 974. Storage deviceinterfaces include a hard drive interface 976 and a CD/DVD driveinterface 978.

Turning now to FIG. 17, FIG. 17 shows examples of prefix codes 1700 thatmay be used to access ComDoc functions. To access a function 1710, oneof these four-digit prefix codes 1720 must be entered prior to enteringa handset access number, as explained in the description 1730. Theaccess codes 1720 are meant to be examples of means for accessingavailable functions 1710 in the ComDoc through a handset keyboard.

The present ComDoc invention is a unique external networks interface maybe deployed in a home or business as a fixed-base device. It isprimarily composed of a fully functional DWCS handset circuitry andnumerous internal peripheral devices dedicated to providing multipleexternal interface paths for a wireless network. The device can standalone as a fixed-base wireless set having its own wireless telephonenumber, can function as a handset-to-external networks relay system, canserve as a home-based high-speed access device to wireless broadbandInternet service for home computers, and can serve as a remote accessinterface device for high-speed wireless broadband Internet servicebetween handset-laptop computer combinations and home installedbroadband Internet connection. It has several other unique capabilitiessuch as serving as a home intercom system for extension phones, aspeakerphone, security system wireless PSTN connection in the event ofPSTN line failure, and interface with Bluetooth/IR devices in the homefor wireless remote control of “Smart House” technology. A novel featureof the ComDoc is to be a backup communications path to the PSTN for anywireless handset subscriber who also has permanent access to a PSTNlandline in their home or business within the greater wireless systemservice area. It is most effective however, within the range of a SignalExtender that is also within range of the business or home. By using aComDoc connection to a PSTN, the calling load on the Network Extenderfor access to the PSTN could be greatly reduced thus saving the wirelesssystem operator monthly line charges for maintaining switch access tothe PSTN.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be apparent thatmodifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to personsskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as set forth in the following claims.

1. A method of operating a wireless communication system for voice anddata signals, comprising: establishing a local communication path fortransmitting and receiving signals between a local handset and a localcommunication docking bay within a same microcell via a signal extender;establishing an extended communication path for transmitting andreceiving signals between an extended handset and an extendedcommunication docking bay located within different microcells positionedwithin a same macrocell via signal extenders and a network extender;establishing a distant communication path for transmitting and receivingsignals between a distant handset and a distant communication dockingbay located within different microcells positioned within differentmacrocells via signal extenders and network extenders; andasynchronously transmitting and receiving half-duplex signals over thecommunication paths using pairs of assigned communication pathfrequencies stabilized by a GPS-based frequency reference source.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing a localcommunication path comprises: transmitting signals from the localhandset and the communication docking bay to the signal extender;receiving and re-transmitting signals by the signal extender to thelocal handset and the communication docking bay; and receiving signalsfrom the signal extender by the local handset and the communicationdocking bay.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of establishingan extended communication path comprises: transmitting signals from theextended handset and the extended communication docking bay to thesignal extenders; receiving and re-transmitting signals from theextended handset and the extended communication docking bay by thesignal extenders to the network extender; receiving and re-transmittingsignals from the signal extenders by the network extender to the signalextenders; receiving and retransmitting signals from the networkextender by the signal extender to the extended handset and extendedcommunication docking bay; and receiving signals from the signalextenders by the extended handset and the communication docking bay. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing a distantcommunication path comprises: transmitting signals from the distanthandset and the distant communication docking bay to the signalextenders; receiving and re-transmitting signals from the distanthandset and the distant communication docking bay by the signalextenders to the network extenders; receiving and re-transmittingsignals from the signal extenders by a network extender to anothernetwork extender; receiving and re-transmitting signals from a networkextender by another network extender to signal extenders; receiving andre-transmitting signals from network extenders by signal extenders tothe distant handset and the distant communication docking bay; andreceiving signals from signal extenders by the distant handset and thedistant communication docking bay.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein thestep of receiving and re-transmitting signals by a network extender toanother network extender is selected from the group consisting oftransmitting signals over a Public Switch Telephone Network,transmitting signals over a fiber optic communication link, transmittingsignals over a coaxial cable, transmitting signals over a public TCP/IPnetwork, and transmitting signals over a satellite communication link.6. The method of claim 1, wherein half of the signals received by asignal extender in a microcell are transmitted by handsets andcommunication docking bays in the microcell in a low radio frequencyband and half of the signals received by the signal extender in amacrocell are transmitted by a network extender in the macrocell in alow radio frequency band.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein half of thesignals transmitted by a signal extender in a microcell are received bythe handsets and docking bays in the microcell in a high radio frequencyband and half of the signals transmitted by the signal extender in amacrocell are received a network extender in the macrocell in a highradio frequency band.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting andreceiving signals between a handset and a communication docking bay isconducted asynchronously with transmitting signals between otherhandsets and docking bays.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofestablishing a local voice communication path between a handset and acommunication docking bay comprises using two fixed frequencies in asub-band spectrum for establishing a local voice channel.
 10. The methodof claim 9, wherein the step of establishing a local data communicationpath under a four channel Contiguous Channel Acquisition Protocolbetween a handset and a communication docking bay comprises using twofixed frequencies having a bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of alocal voice channel by combining four contiguous voice channels.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the step of establishing a local datacommunication path under a twelve channel Contiguous Channel AcquisitionProtocol Plus between a handset and a communication docking baycomprises using two fixed frequencies having a bandwidth of twelve timesa bandwidth of a local voice channel by combining twelve contiguousvoice channels.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofestablishing an extended voice communication path comprises using fourfixed frequencies in a sub-band spectrum for establishing an extendedvoice channel.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step ofestablishing an extended data communication path under a four channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol between a handset and acommunication docking bay comprises using four fixed frequencies havinga bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of an extended voice channel bycombining four contiguous voice channels.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the step of establishing an extended data communication pathunder a twelve channel Contiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol Plusbetween a handset and a communication docking bay comprises using fourfixed frequencies having a bandwidth of twelve times a bandwidth of anextended voice channel by combining twelve contiguous voice channels.15. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing acommunication path for transmitting and receiving signals between ahandset and an external network via a signal extender and a networkextender connected to the external network.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the external network is selected from the group consisting of aPublic Switch Telephone Network, a fiber optic communication link, acoaxial cable, a public TCP/IP network, and a satellite communicationlink.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing acommunication path for transmitting and receiving signals between ahandset and an external network via communication docking bay connectedto the external network.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein theexternal network is selected from the group consisting of a PublicSwitch Telephone Network, a fiber optic communication link, a coaxialcable, a public TCP/IP network, and a satellite communication link. 19.The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing a communicationpath for transmitting and receiving signals between a communicationdocking bay and a local communication network.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein the local communication network is selected from the groupconsisting of wireless handsets associated with the communicationdocking bay, local extension telephones connected to a Public SwitchTelephone Network via the communication docking bay, an infrared link, aBluetooth link, a wired computer local area network, a wireless localarea computer network, a security system and another communicationdocking bay link.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the handsets arecommunication docking bays.
 22. A method of operating a wirelesscommunication system for voice and data signals, comprising:establishing a local communication path for transmitting and receivingsignals between a local handset and a local communication docking baywithin a same microcell comprising: receiving and transmitting signalsbetween the local handset and a signal extender; receiving andtransmitting signals between the signal extender, the local handsets andthe local communication docking bay; and receiving and transmittingsignals between the local communication docking bay and the signalextender; establishing an extended communication path for transmittingand receiving signals between an extended handset and an extendedcommunication docking bay within different microcells positioned withina same macrocell comprising: transmitting and receiving signals betweenthe extended handset and a first signal extender; transmitting andreceiving signals between the first signal extender and a networkextender; transmitting and receiving signals between the networkextender and a second signal extender; transmitting and receivingsignals between the second signal extender and the extendedcommunication docking bay; and transmitting and receiving signalsbetween the extended communication docking bay and the second signalextender; establishing a distant communication path for transmitting andreceiving signals between distant a handset and a distant communicationdocking bay within different microcells positioned within differentmacrocells comprising: transmitting and receiving signals between thedistant handset and a first signal extender; transmitting and receivingsignals between the first signal extender and a first network extender;transmitting and receiving signals between the first network extenderand a second network extender; transmitting and receiving signalsbetween the second network extender and a second signal extenders;transmitting and receiving signals between the second signal extenderand the distant communication docking bay; and transmitting andreceiving signals between the distant communication docking bay and thesecond signal extender; and asynchronously transmitting and receivinghalf-duplex signals over the communication paths using pairs of assignedcommunication path frequencies stabilized by a GPS-based frequencyreference source.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step oftransmitting signals between the first network extender and the secondnetwork extender is selected from the group consisting of transmittingsignals over a Public Switch Telephone Network, transmitting signalsover a fiber optic communication link, transmitting signals over acoaxial cable, transmitting signals over a public TCP/IP network, andtransmitting signals over a satellite communication link.
 24. The methodof claim 22, wherein the steps of: transmitting signals from the handsetand communication docking bay to the signal extenders is in a low radiofrequency band and transmitting signals from the signal extenders to thehandset and communication docking bay is in a high radio frequency band;transmitting signals from the signal extenders to the network extendersis in a high radio frequency band and transmitting signals from thenetwork extenders to the signal extenders is in the low radio frequencyband; and transmitting signals between the network extenders is on ahigh data rate system backbone.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein halfof the signals received by a signal extender in a microcell aretransmitted by handsets and communication docking bays in the microcellin a low radio frequency band and half of the signals received by thesignal extender in a microcell are transmitted by a network extender inthe macrocell in a low radio frequency band.
 26. The method of claim 22,wherein half of the signals transmitted by a signal extender in amicrocell are received by the handsets and communication docking bays inthe microcell in a high radio frequency band and half of the signalstransmitted by the signal extender in a microcell are received by anetwork extender in the macrocell in a high radio frequency band. 27.The method of claim 22, wherein transmitting and receiving signalsbetween a handset and a communication docking bay are conductedasynchronously with transmitting signals between other handsets andcommunication docking bays.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein thesteps of transmitting and receiving signals comprises using FrequencyDivision Multiple Access techniques for determining sub-bands in thehigh and low radio frequency bands.
 29. The method of claim 22, whereinthe steps of transmitting and receiving signals comprises using GaussianMinimum Shift Keying modulation for producing a radio frequencywaveform.
 30. The method of claim 22, wherein transmitting and receivingsignals from handsets and communication docking bays comprise a primarymode and a secondary mode of operation.
 31. The method of claim 30,wherein the primary mode of operation comprises a DW wireless frequencyprotocol.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the secondary mode ofoperation is selected from the group of wireless protocols consisting ofAMPS, D-AMPS, IS-95, IS-136, and GSM1900.
 33. The method of claim 22,further comprising controlling an operational state of the wirelesscommunication system by transmitting an operational state command to anetwork extender.
 34. The method of claim 22, wherein the step ofestablishing a local voice communication path between a handset and acommunication docking bay comprises using two fixed frequencies in asub-band spectrum for establishing a local voice channel.
 35. The methodof claim 34, wherein the step of establishing a local data communicationpath under a four channel Contiguous Channel Acquisition Protocolbetween a handset and a communication docking bay comprises using twofixed frequencies having a bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of alocal voice channel by combining four contiguous voice channels.
 36. Themethod of claim 34, wherein the step of establishing a local datacommunication path under a twelve channel Contiguous Channel AcquisitionProtocol Plus between a handset and a communication docking baycomprises using two fixed frequencies having a bandwidth of twelve timesa bandwidth of a local voice channel by combining twelve contiguousvoice channels.
 37. The method of claim 22, wherein the step ofestablishing an extended voice communication path comprises using fourfixed frequencies in a sub-band spectrum for establishing an extendedvoice channel.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the step ofestablishing an extended data communication path under a four channelContiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol between a handset and acommunication docking bay comprises using four fixed frequencies havinga bandwidth of four times a bandwidth of an extended voice channel bycombining four contiguous voice channels.
 39. The method of claim 37,wherein the step of establishing an extended data communication pathunder a twelve channel Contiguous Channel Acquisition Protocol Plusbetween a handset and a communication docking bay comprises using fourfixed frequencies having a bandwidth of twelve times a bandwidth of anextended voice channel by combining twelve contiguous voice channels.40. The method of claim 22, further comprising establishing acommunication path for transmitting and receiving signals between ahandset and an external network via communication docking bay connectedto the external network.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein theexternal network is selected from the group consisting of a PublicSwitch Telephone Network, a fiber optic communication link, a coaxialcable, a public TCP/IP network, and a satellite communication link. 42.The method of claim 22, wherein the handsets are communication dockingbays.
 43. The method of claim 22, wherein: transmitting signals comprisedigitizing, buffering and encoding voice frames and transmitting thevoice frames in packets at a date rate that is at least twice thatrequired for real-time decoding, whereby transmitting time requires lessthan half of real time; and receiving signals comprise receiving anddecoding the voice frame packets at a data rate that is equal to thatrequired for real-time decoding, whereby receiving time requires lessthan half of real-time.
 44. The method of claim 22, further comprisingtransmitting and receiving information over a reference channel forproviding handsets and a communication docking bays with time and dateinformation, microcell and macrocell identification code, attentioncodes, and broadcast text messages.
 45. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising transmitting and receiving information over a call initiationchannel for handling handset and communication docking bay initialregistration, periodic registration, authorization and short idassignment, call requests, call frequency assignment, call progressprior to voice and data channel use, and acknowledgement.
 46. The methodof claim 22, further comprising transmitting and receiving informationover a call maintenance channel for call completion, call request, 911position report, call handoff frequency, call waiting notification,voice message notification, text message notification, andacknowledgement.
 47. A wireless communication system for voice and datasignals, comprising: means for establishing a local communication pathfor transmitting and receiving signals between a local handset and acommunication docking bay within a same microcell via a signal extender;means for establishing an extended communication path for transmittingand receiving signals between an extended handset and an extendedcommunication docking bay located within different microcells positionedwithin a same macrocell via signal extenders and a network extender;means for establishing a distant communication path for transmitting andreceiving signals between a distant handset and a distant communicationdocking bay located within different microcells positioned withindifferent macrocells via signal extenders and network extenders; andmeans for asynchronously transmitting and receiving half-duplex signalsover the communication paths using pairs of assigned communication pathfrequencies stabilized by a GPS-based frequency reference source. 48.The system of claim 47, wherein the means for establishing a localcommunication path for transmitting and receiving signals between alocal handset and a local communication docking bay within a samemicrocell via a signal extender comprises: a local handset for encodingvoice and data frame packets and transmitting these packets as radiofrequency signals in a low radio frequency band; a signal extender forreceiving, amplifying, and shifting a frequency of the local handset andcommunication docking bay signals in the low radio frequency band to ahigh radio frequency band and transmitting the high radio frequency bandsignals; a local communication docking bay for receiving signals in thehigh radio frequency band from the signal extender and decoding thereceived signals into a voice and data frame packet; the localcommunication docking bay for encoding voice and data frame packets andtransmitting these packets as radio frequency signals in a low radiofrequency band; and the local handset for receiving signals in the highradio frequency band from the signal extender and decoding the receivedsignals into a voice and data frame packet.
 49. The system of claim 47,wherein the means for establishing an extended communication path fortransmitting and receiving signals between an extended handset and anextended communication docking bay within different microcellspositioned within a same macrocell via signal extenders and a networkextender comprises: an extended handset for encoding voice and dataframe packets and transmitting these packets as radio frequency signalsin a low frequency band; a first signal extender for receiving,amplifying, and shifting a frequency of the extended handset signals inthe low radio frequency band to a high radio frequency band andtransmitting the high radio frequency band signals from the first signalextender to the network extender; the network extender for receiving,amplifying, and shifting a frequency of signal extender signals in thehigh radio frequency band to a low radio frequency band and transmittingthe low radio frequency band signals from the network extender toselected signal extenders; a second signal extender for receiving,amplifying, and shifting a frequency of the network extender signals inthe low frequency band to a high radio frequency band and transmittingthe high radio frequency band signals; an extended communication dockingbay for receiving the second signal extender signals in the high radiofrequency band and decoding the received signals into a voice and dataframe packet; the extended communication docking bay for encoding voiceand data frame packets and transmitting these packets as radio frequencysignals in a low frequency band; the second signal extender forreceiving, amplifying, and shifting a frequency of the extendedcommunication docking bay signals in the low radio frequency band to ahigh radio frequency band and transmitting the high radio frequency bandsignals from the second signal extender to the network extender; thefirst signal extender for receiving, amplifying, and shifting afrequency of the network extender signals in the low frequency band to ahigh radio frequency band and transmitting the high radio frequency bandsignals; and the extended handset for receiving the first signalextender signals in the high radio frequency band and decoding thereceived signals into a voice and data frame packet.
 50. The system ofclaim 49, wherein the means for establishing a distant communicationpath for transmitting and receiving signals between a distant handsetand a distant communication docking bay within different microcellspositioned within different macrocells via signal extenders and networkextenders further comprises: a first network extender for receiving,amplifying the first signal extender signals and transmitting the firstsignal extender signals to a second network extender over a dedicatedcommunication link; and the second network extender for receiving andshifting a frequency of first signal extender signals in the high radiofrequency band to a low radio frequency band and transmitting the lowradio frequency band signals from the second network extender to thesecond signal extender.
 51. The system of claim 47, wherein: a microcellcomprises a geographical area containing one or more handsets carried bymobile users, communication docking bays, and a signal extender; and amacrocell comprises a geographical area containing between one andtwenty one microcells, and a network extender.
 52. The system of claim47, wherein the communication docking bays comprise externalcommunication paths for transmitting and receiving signals between thecommunication docking bays and an external communication network toenable handsets and devices associated with the docking bays to connectto the external network through the docking bays.
 53. The system ofclaim 52, wherein the external network is selected form the groupconsisting of a Public Switch Telephone Network, a fiber opticcommunication link, a coaxial cable, a public TCP/IP network, and asatellite communication link.
 54. The system of claim 47, wherein thecommunication docking bays comprise local communication paths fortransmitting and receiving signals between the communication dockingbays and a local communication network.
 55. The system of claim 54,wherein the local communication network is selected from the groupconsisting of wireless handsets associated with the communicationdocking bay, local extension telephones connected to a Public SwitchTelephone Network via the communication docking bay, an infrared link, aBluetooth link, a wired computer local area network, a wireless localarea computer network, a security system and another communicationdocking bay link.
 56. The system of claim 47, wherein the communicationdocking bays comprise: a processor for controlling communication dockingbay operation comprising a digital signal processor, a controller, andmemory; a user interface comprising a display, a keypad, visualindicator, audio annunciator, microphone and speaker; a vocoderconnected to a microphone and speaker interface; a power manager, mobilehandset recharge bays, battery and power source; an external datainterface; connections for fixed telephone handset extensions;connections to a Public Switch Telephone Network; a primary modetransceiver having a transmitter and two receivers connected to anomni-directional antenna for use with a DW protocol; and a secondarymode transceiver for providing service using a standard protocol. 57.The system of claim 47, wherein the communication docking bays includeoptional interface connections selected from the group consisting of aninfrared data interface, an external keyboard interface, an externalmonitor interface, a video camera interface, a Bluetooth interface, aLAN/cable modem interface, an E-911 position locator interface, a GPSposition locator interface, a hard drive interface, a CD/DVD driveinterface, a Public Switch Telephone Network modem interface, and anexternal antenna interface.
 58. The system of claim 47, wherein thehandsets and communication docking bays transmit voice and data packetshalf of the time and receive voice and data packets half of the timewhen in use.